Coronation Street schemer Carl Webster finally gets a conscience tonight, as his ‘sister’ Debbie breaks down over her imminent sentencing hearing. But is it too late to change his story over the Corriedale crash?

Carl has been desperate to let Debbie take the blame for their role in the multi-vehicle road collision that caused the tragic death of Billy Mayhew. But as the consequences hit home, Carl starts to have second thoughts.

In tonight’s episode, Debbie reluctantly prepares for the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence after her recent guilty plea.

After careful consideration, she asks Ryan Connor if he’ll take over running the hotel for her while she’s in jail. Debbie is full of praise for Ryan and explains how much she trusts him, but when word gets back to Carl, there are fireworks…

Carl is livid that he wasn’t chosen to take the reins and accuses Debbie of stabbing him in the back. As far as he’s concerned, Debbie’s decision clearly undermines him after his months of tension with Ryan.

Later at the flat, though, the dynamic suddenly shifts as Debbie opens up to Carl about exactly how she’s feeling. As Carl sees just how desperate Debbie is, it may be time to put any selfish thoughts to one side for a while.

“How long have I got until I’m incarcerated?” Debbie asks. “And all this family keep doing is shouting at each other and falling out.

“I’m terrified – I’m going to jail. I know I am. And do you know what scares me the most? Being on my own, locked up in my own head, away from everybody I love.”

Urging Carl to see things from her point of view, she adds: “And my vascular dementia, what if when I’m in there, that gets worse? What if I forget who you are?”

Carl is struck by the reality of Debbie’s situation – but will he clear her name after his ruthless attempts to frame her for the crash?